Robert Matthews

Science writer

After studying physics at Oxford, Robert became a science writer. He’s visiting professor in science at Aston University.

Recent articles by Robert Matthews

Can maths be beautiful? © iStock

Everyday science

What does ‘statistically significant’ mean?

Why does a recording increase in pitch when sped up? © Getty Images

Everyday science

Why does a recording increase in pitch when sped up?

Should I really starve a fever and feed a cold? © Dan Bright

Should I really starve a fever and feed a cold?

Do all spiral galaxies have black holes at their centre? © Getty Images

What is a white hole?

Are atoms expanding as the Universe expands? © Getty Images

Everyday science

In an atom, what fills the space between particles?

Does putting a spoon in an opened bottle of champagne keep it fizzy? © Getty Images

Everyday science

Does putting a spoon in an opened bottle of champagne keep it fizzy?

Who invented soap? © Alamy

Everyday science

Who invented soap?

Why do roads shimmer when it’s hot? © Getty Images

Everyday science

Why do roads shimmer when it’s hot?

Lightning strikes beside a powerful microburst from a monsoon thunderstorm near Florence, Arizona.

Everyday science

Is it safe to fly a kite in a thunderstorm?

Is there any objective evidence of more bad luck on Friday the 13th? © Getty Images

Everyday science

Is there any objective evidence of more bad luck on Friday the 13th?

Do subatomic particles have a colour? © Getty Images

Everyday science

Do subatomic particles have a colour?

What happens to money taken out of circulation? © Alamy

Everyday science

What happens to money taken out of circulation?

How did people make ice before freezers? © Getty Images

Everyday science

Why do ice cubes crack when you put them in water?

Why can’t we predict prime numbers? © Alamy

Everyday science

Why can’t we predict prime numbers?

Why do waves bubble and turn white when they break? © Getty Images

Why do waves bubble and turn white when they break?